Namerakahonpo Skincare UV Base is a Japanese moisturising primer with skincare effects. I’d call it a makeup-infused moisturiser with SPF40 mineral sunscreen. For those who like their makeup (or moisturiser) to be multi-purpose when there’s only incidental sun exposure, it’s an extra tick.
It is packed full of Namerakahonpo’s signature skincare flourish of soy isoflavones, making it a great choice for a nourishing day moisturiser whether you care about the makeup aspect or not. (I quite like Namerakahonpo’s moisturisers.) The hydrating effects are reasonably long-lasting and the feel on the skin is plump and velvety. No greasy residue to slide about all over, just a balanced, natural finish.
And it is a low-key base; there’s no real opacity to the finish. The translucent beige colour disappears into my skin without a trace. I had been using it in place of any moisturiser, sunscreen, or foundation over the colder months and had quite a few compliments on my “bare” skin. It gives a subtle radiance and just the slightest hint of colour that takes the edge off unevenness. I dare say this would suit a wide range of skin tones.
If your skin is in pretty good nick and you want to ditch the layers then this one is well worth a shot. It does a decent job of creating a smooth canvas and goes a little way in controlling oils. For oily skin, a fluid primer like Cezanne’s Make Keep Base does a far better job at mattifying skin and extending wear time. I have normal skin and use the Japanese makeup base primarily on its own as an all-singing, all-dancing moisturiser.
SANA’s Namerakahonpo Skincare UV Base SPF40 PA+++ is available in most drugstores across Japan. You can find it on Amazon Japan — currently ¥891 instead of ¥1,000 (the RRP). It’s also available from Hong Kong-based YesStyle.
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